My story of Hope for every Comrade! Against all odds.

Dead visions can and will be revived.

You have been admitted to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology(MMUST) for Bachelor of Education (arts)... You're expected to report on 25th, August, 2012..." read the SMS I received in my phone on the afternoon of 19th, August, 2012 as I was going about series of routine domestic chores. I repeatedly read the message to understand its gist. Since I bought second-hand Motorola C113 phone three months earlier, this was the most important message I ever received. I was overwhelmed with ecstasy. I think I was the happiest person in the world that evening.

This delirious mood was owing to two major reasons: First, it confirmed a special invitation to the highest institution of learning, a place I craved for while in school and even prompted me to burn midnight oil to attain the government's cut-off points. Second, I was going to join the teaching profession, career I admired since childhood.

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However, after a few hours, this joyous celebration was eventually consumed by anxiety. There were conditions to fulfill before joining the University yet I had only one week to prepare and preparation involved outsourcing enough fees and other basic necessities within the timeline. But, getting this money was not forthcoming considering the fact that even secondary education I couldn't have completed if it was not for the mercies of well-wishers and sponsors. This unpleasant reality unfolded itself before me. Anyway, I thank God that through the prayers and financial support from friends and relatives, I managed to get some funds and therefore I had no any other business but to set off on 25th, Saturday morning to Kakamega town where the campus is located.

Let me tell you, the village was too much in this young boy. I was born in the village, and went to primary and secondary schools in the remotest village of Karachuonyo, Kanam "B" location. The state of disbelief engulfed this village boy when he saw for the first time the "mysteries" of the big towns like Kisumu city. The matatu snaked in the city enabling him to see the beauty of a busy town with many people, tall storey buildings, classic automobiles and so forth. The vehicle finally arrived in Kakamega town after about four hours of travel. I didn't know the direction to the institution from the town, so I supplemented the remaining distance with a ride of "Boda Boda" cyclist who charged me KES 100. Little did I know it was only 200 metres away.

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On arrival at the University's Graduation Square where registration process was being done, I got startled by the mammoth crowd of people, young and old who had thronged that place. Big and stylish suitcases were all over the field, parents who had accompanied their sons and daughters were helping them to fill some requisite forms of admission. There were long columns of people who were destined to get cleared. But for the village boy, he was alone. Nobody gave him company hence he had to face the nature of fierce world singly because he was infilled with enthusiasm for education. Nobody showed concern about his depressed condition although it was so obvious to read it on his face that he was undergoing anguish. With a small, old-fashioned suitcase beside me, I maintained stationary posture for about 30 minutes pondering the next move. Finally, I approached security guard who offered me some vague direction. What transpired thereafter is a story for another day.

Indeed, my first days in the campus were absolutely horrible perhaps even 200 foolscaps would be inadequate for me to systematically write down vivid description about it. However, in a nutshell, my experience with the university life has been characterized by myriads of challenges that it took only God's sufficient Grace to stand them. 

I remember at times I ate intermittently-went without food and even if I ate, ugali and sukumawiki is the dish I was accustomed to or strong tea and mandazi as substitute. Lack of basic necessities for learning was pronounced. I had to defer studies for one academic year. Inconveniences caused by frequent strikes of students and University staffs were hard to withstand. I remember one day I almost spent cold night in Nyayo tea plantation because the notice to vacate University premises by 6.30pm was issued after students went on rampage. In second year I pirated (illegal stay in university hostels) in a friend's room.

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Beloved friends, despite all these hurdles God still continue to show His Grace over my life because now I am a graduate teacher, having graduated with Degree in Bachelor of Education (arts) with specialization in HISTORY and GOVERNMENT & CRE. 

Today, I’m a living testimony of hope and I live to inspire others with my story. I didn’t sit down and curse the world for my plight. Yes, events I couldn’t control happened but I refused to resign to them.

I encourage you today: DON’T GIVE UP.

Your story will change if you keep hope alive.

Alleluya! Glory to God! Amen.

By Mike Njogah , a graduate teacher from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. 

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